The Seattle Humane Society is the largest private animal shelter serving King County. With the SHS Blog, we'll feature pets, upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and the day-to-day work of the Seattle Humane Society.

Home for the Holidays

Costuming animals for the holidays is just part of the fun. This cat doesn’t appear to mind her Santa get-up, but if you wish to leave costumes on after the photo-op, make sure they are comfortable and remove them if the animal complains.

With snow in the forecast, this weekend the Seattle Humane Society will open its doors to a different kind winter wonderland: a holiday celebration focused on finding homes for as many shelter animals as possible before the holidays.

People ask, “Do you have small dogs at the shelter?” I answer, “Yes!” We find homes for chis, doxies, poms and minis of many breeds. Small dogs might appreciate the warmth of a costume during cold weather.

Bring the entire family to meet Santa himself and to enjoy holiday treats. (I hear mulled cider and pumpkin pie are among the offerings!) Many of Santa’s elves will be on hand to introduce you to the shelter’s kittens, puppies, dogs and cats. Who knows, perhaps the perfect animal companion is just waiting for you and is dreaming sugar-plum dreams that you’ll come by?

With many working people taking some time off over the holidays, it’s a perfect time to consider adoption. Having those extra days off will give you time to bond with your pet, acclimate them to their new surroundings, and introduce them to all the friends and family who will be visiting. Research shows that more families invite pets into their homes during the holidays than at any other time of the year.

Our shelter pets cross all denominations, and these dogs celebrate Hanukkah in style!

The Seattle Humane Society is making it easy for people and families wanting to adopt an adult cat by waiving the adoption fee of $80 during the month of December. They haven’t cut any corners to do so. As always, cats have been spayed or neutered, health checked by the shelter’s veterinary staff, given basic vaccinations and microchipped. Licensing fees do still apply, and donations in lieu of customary adoption fees are welcomed but left completely to the adopter’s discretion.

Seattle Humane Society’s “Home for the Holidays” event runs from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, December 13 and 14. Driving directions here.

On behalf of all the shelter’s animals, I hope you will come visit us. No other gift under the tree can compare to the love and companionship pets provide.